[Ultrasound examination of the shoulder joint].

The ultrasound examination of the shoulder is an effective, quick and painless diagnostic method. The skilled examiner has no problem to detect rotator cuff tears, bursitis, tendinitis and instabilities as well as arthrosis or hematoma of the acromioclavicular joint and biceps tendon rupture. In the literature the sensitivity of ultrasound examination of the shoulder depended from 91 to 100% and specificity from 83 to 100%. The dynamic examination gives a special view of gliding tendons, muscles and bony landmarks of the shoulder. With standardized pictures the orthopedic surgeon should be able to diagnose and document almost every shoulder soft tissue pathology.